| The BBQ site, which was originally the 'Dressing Sheds' for public bathing in the river. |  |
| Tranquil sites right on the river bank under majestic river gums. |  |
| The river bank looking towards the historic Iron Bridge (built in 1893) showing relaxing surrounds for tents and caravan sites next to the river on well-kept lawns. |  |
This area was first surveyed in 1817 by John Oxley. Stock grazing surrounded the small township then called Blackridge prior to the discovery of Gold in 1860. Within a short time Forbes (renamed after the First Chief Justice of NSW) had a rough and tough population of thirty five thousand. During this time Ben Hall, the outlaw, and associates terrorised the neighbourhood and harried Gold shipments with the famous Escort rock holdup of 1862. He was eventually apprehended and shot and is buried in the Forbes cemetery. Fortunately much of the architecture of this prosperous period remains. Forbes prides itself on its grandeur which is unusual for a town with a population of 8,500. Agriculture remains the main industry today with the Central West Livestock Exchange the third largest in NSW. Forbes Municipal Council invited Forbes Apex Club to become involved in the running of the Caravan Park during 1950 and subsequently went on to purchase the land. So began the development of the first caravan park in Forbes.
Recreation and Attractions